Title

IMPROVING BLAST FURNACE PRODUCTIVITY – HOT BLAST SYSTEMS

IMPROVING BLAST FURNACE PRODUCTIVITY – HOT BLAST SYSTEMS

Authorship

EDEN, M G; DOEL, P J; COLLING, C

EDEN, M G

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DOEL, P J

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COLLING, C

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DOI

10.5151/2594-5327-C01213

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Abstract

The provision of an economic supply of hot blast is central to the efficient operation of the blast furnace. With the increased use of tuyere injectants as fuel, the need for higher blast temperatures and higher oxygen rates has become even more important. Despite the development of a number of possible alternatives over the years, the hot blast stove (or Cowper stove) is still the most cost-effective means of supplying this need. VAI-Davy have a long history of designing, building and installing hot blast stoves of both the internal and external combustion chamber type. Both types of stove now include the features necessary to maximise the efficiency of combustion and provide high blast temperatures while eliminating the effects of stress-corrosion cracking. Running costs can be reduced by the incorporation of waste heat recovery equipment and the use of computer models for the optimisation of gassing efficiency. Techniques for the retrofitting of modern refractory and burner designs within existing stove chambers have also been developed. The paper describes the current “state-of-the-art” and show examples of how hot blast stove technology can been used to maintain the competitiveness of blast furnace iron-making.

The provision of an economic supply of hot blast is central to the efficient operation of the blast furnace. With the increased use of tuyere injectants as fuel, the need for higher blast temperatures and higher oxygen rates has become even more important. Despite the development of a number of possible alternatives over the years, the hot blast stove (or Cowper stove) is still the most cost-effective means of supplying this need. VAI-Davy have a long history of designing, building and installing hot blast stoves of both the internal and external combustion chamber type. Both types of stove now include the features necessary to maximise the efficiency of combustion and provide high blast temperatures while eliminating the effects of stress-corrosion cracking. Running costs can be reduced by the incorporation of waste heat recovery equipment and the use of computer models for the optimisation of gassing efficiency. Techniques for the retrofitting of modern refractory and burner designs within existing stove chambers have also been developed. The paper describes the current “state-of-the-art” and show examples of how hot blast stove technology can been used to maintain the competitiveness of blast furnace iron-making.

Keywords

stoves, automation, refractories

stoves, automation, refractories